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Cancer Center Update
October 3 , 2006
In This Issue:
- Members in the news
- More Cancer Center members speak at International Society for Experimental Hematology annual meeting
- Schultze receives Butterfly Award from Children's Cancer Research Fund
- Current Issues in Clinical Research Conference to be held October 4-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center
- Cancer Biology Journal Club
- TTURC Course
- 5th Annual Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Educational Conference
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Seminar
Professional Education and Events
Grant Information and Annoucements
- Cancer will be the focus of next Mini Medical School
- Support the Children's Cancer Research Fund when you shop
- Children's Cancer Research Fund 2006 Dawn of a Dream Benefit - "Journey to the Ends of the Earth" - tickets are now on sale
Today's Cancer Center Seminar
Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Choreography of the DNA damage response
Rodney Rothstein, Ph.D., Professor, Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical School
Host: Judith Berman, Ph.D.
A peek at next week's seminar:
October 10, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Protein kinase CK2 signal - A key potential target for cancer therapy
Khalil Ahmed, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Senior Research Career Scientist and Chief, Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry Lab, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
For a complete schedule visit the Masonic Cancer Center Web site Seminar Series listing.
News
Members in the News
Linda Carson, M.D., wrote an article titled "Ovarian cancer treatment: Surgery followed by IV/IP therapy greatly improves survival" in the October issue of Minnesota Physician.
More Cancer Center members speak at International Society for Experimental Hematology annual meeting
Xueqing Liang, M.D., Ph.D., gave a presentation at the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Experimental Hematology in Minneapolis as one of six finalists for the ISEH New Investigator Award. Dr. Liang’s presentation was entitled "Molecular mechanisms underlying CpG oligodeoxynucleotide mediated anti-leukemia effects against human B-CLL cells." ISEH's New Investigator Award is given to a few select new investigators in recognition of their outstanding promise and excellent work in the experimental hematology field. Liang completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Cancer Center member Wei Chen, M.D., Ph.D. She was recently promoted to a research associate position and continues to work on her projects in Chen's laboratory.
Wei Chen, M.D., Ph.D., was the Immunotherapy chairperson at the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Experimental Hematology, chairing the Immunotherapy Scientific Session.
Schultze receives Butterfly Award from Children's Cancer Research Fund
Cancer Center staff member Mary Schultze received the Butterfly Award for Medical Contribution from the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) at the organization's annual meeting on September 26. She was recognized for her work as CCRF's primary liaison with the Masonic Cancer Center. Schultze is executive assistant to John Wagner, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and also assists Wagner and Julie Ross, Ph.D., in their capacities as co-chairs of CCRF. Read more on the Masonic Cancer Center Web site.
Events
Current Issues in Clinical Research Conference to be held October 4-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center
The University of Minnesota Academic Health Center and Mayo Clinical Trial Services are jointly sponsoring a major conference on clinical research. "Current Issues in Clinical Research: Latest Trends in Clinical Research" will take place October 4-5, 2006 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This conference will focus on emerging trends and provide a comprehensive review of clinical research performance. The program will include information on evolving strategies of pharmacovigilance, current issues in genomics and proteomics, principles of good clinical practice, and the mechanics of teamwork in clinical research. An outstanding, nationally prominent faculty has been assembled. This program is designed for clinical research professionals, including principal investigators, study coordinators, nurses, and other research personnel involved in managing and coordinating clinical research.
The regular registration fee for this conference is $550, which includes tuition, comprehensive conference syllabus, continental breakfasts, lunches, and break refreshments. University of Minnesota faculty, research staff, and AHC students and trainees may attend for the highly discounted registration fee of $25. Please indicate that you are from the U of M when you register. More information and the registration form.
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 5-122 MCB
Chris Pennel, Ph.D., associate professor of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, will discuss the journal article "Cancer regression in patients after transfer of genetically engineered lymphocytes" by Morgan et al. (in Rosenberg's group). Published online August 31, 2006 [DOI: 10.1126/science.1129003] (in Science Express Reports).
The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. A complete schedule is available at the MICaB Web site. For more information contact: Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Saplis (sapl0005@umn.edu).
TTURC Course
Friday, October 6, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 11-157 PWB (Note room change)
Nicotine metabolism: Does it play a role in smoking behavior?
Sharon Murphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics.
For a complete schedule visit the Web site.
5th Annual Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Educational Conference
Sunday, October 7, 2005, Minneapolis Convention Center
The Breast Cancer Awareness Educational Conference provides a forum with the latest information on breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship issues. Seminar speakers include Doug Yee, M.D., leader of the Masonic Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Research Program, speaking on "Clinical Trials: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants." For more information contact the Breast Cancer Awareness Association, 763-548-1303 or visit the BCAA Web site.
Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Seminar
Obstetrics, gynecology, and women's health is the topic of the 37th Annual Autumn Seminar, to be held October 12-13, 2006 at The Depot, 225 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis. The seminar is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Medical School, the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, and Continuing Medical Education. It is designed for specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, family physicians, and other health professionals involved in the field of women's health. Presenters include Susan Pappas-Varco, R.N., Cancer Center member and breast cancer program coordinator. For more information visit the Continuing Medical Education Web site
Professional Education and Seminars
Immunology Program Seminar
Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 6-101 NHH
Innate immunity to retroviruses and retrotransposons through DNA deamination
Reuben Harris, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
For a complete schedule visit the Web Site.
Cancer Biology Research Club
Friday, October 6, 2006, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 6-120 NHH (NOTE room change for month of October )
Somatic mutagenesis using Sleeping Beauty for cancer gene discovery
Tim Starr, Ph.D., Largaespada lab
Refreshments will be available. For a complete schedule visit the Web site.
BMT Conference
Monday, October 9, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 5-125 MoosT
Due to the remodeling of 450 CCRB, the BMT Conferences on October 9th and 16th will be held in 5-125 MT.
Umbilical cord blood transplantation: Contribution of HLA matching and cell dose
John E. Wagner, Jr., M.D ., Director, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant Program; Professor, Department of Pediatrics; Scientific Director of Clinical Research, University of Minnesota Blood and Marrow Transplant Program and Stem Cell Institute; Director, Center for Molecular and Cellular Therapy
For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.
Grant Information and Annoucements
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant opportunity
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until October 16, 2006. This grant is for assistant professors who have no independent national funding and are engaged in cancer-related research. Cancer-related research includes genetic mechanisms of cancer, molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis, development of novel cancer therapeutic models and translational research, cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Funding is available up to $25,000. Applications may be obtained by calling 612-626-1926 or sending email to micek003@tc.umn.edu.
Reminders
Cancer will be the focus of next Mini Medical School
Cancer Center researchers will be the speakers at this fall's Mini Medical School, which will focus on cancer. The topics for the four sessions include: What is cancer?; cancer risks, reality and myths; common cancers; and treatments and innovations. Watch future issues of Update for session descriptions and information about speakers. The series will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday evenings, November 6, 13, 20, and 27, at Coffman Memorial Union Theater. Cost is $60 for the four classes. Registration is available online at Academic Health Center's Web site. Please encourage people you know who may be interested in learning more about cancer to register soon because space is limited.
Support the Children's Cancer Research Fund when you shop
Just shop online at your favorite stores, or explore the many other affiliates available, and a percentage of each purchase will be donated to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Start shopping at the Children's Cancer Research Fund "Shop CCRF" Web site.
Children's Cancer Research Fund 2006 Dawn of a Dream Benefit - "Journey to the Ends of the Earth" - tickets are now on sale
In 1980, after losing their daughter to leukemia, Diana and Norm Hageboeck and their friends organized the first Dawn of a Dream benefit concert, raising $50,000. Today, Dawn of a Dream is one of the largest gala events in the Twin Cities. This year's event, on Saturday, November 4, 2006 will feature a few surprises along with the traditional silent and live auctions, dinner, and live entertainment by Los Lobos. Don't miss your chance to attend the event and support Children's Cancer Research Fund! For more information and to reserve your Journey to the Ends of the Earth tickets now visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.